Lowest price for this router as per Camel.
Supporting the latest Wi-Fi standard 802.11AX (Wi-Fi 6) and 80MHz bandwidth
Built for multi-device households
Increase capacity and efficiency
Commercial-grade security for your home network
CamelCamelCamel.
Thanks
I have an ac86u and was thinking of using the in-built adguard DNS options. Does it affect your tracking for cashback or anything like that? Or does Merlin firmware have more configurability.
And works this be a worthwhile upgrade from my ac86u?
I have FFTN, and am taking over the ISP contract when a housemate moves out (unfortunately the same housemate that owns the modem/router); for a 50-100mbps nbn plan, in a relatively small unit, is it better to get an all-in-one solution like a TP-Link VR2600 or ASUS DSL-AX82U, or something like this plus a bridged modem?
Since you're talking housemates and renting etc. since you're likely to move in the future in my opinion it's always great to have a separate router that can support FTTC, FTTP via ethernet as well as FTTN via bridge
Bridged cheap Gen 2 Telstra Modems for around $20-30 are ideal for FTTN connections for most ISPs.
Than you can add any Router.
All in ones are generally a compromise.
@s3n @scuderiarmani @jaydee4
Thanks for the responses. I’d heard those Telstra modems were a good, cheap option for bridging; that being the case, even though it’s total overkill at this point I think I might invest in a modular setup with one of them, an access point + some kind of opnsense box.
I got TP-Link Archer VR300 from Umart for $89.
Support VDSL2+ FTTN and one of the LAN Ports for WAN connection. I'm on a 50Mbps plan with Leaptel, connects fast and I'm getting near full speed.
If you're getting an AX model, make sure it's one that has a DSL port in the back.
What is the best asus router as primary in ai mesh for gigabit fiber? Currently running netgear orbi ac which can't get to max speed. I have ethernet backhall so that's how I am going to setup. Preferably gigabit lan as well as running plex, home assistant, wfh setup so looking to get the best speed on both router and node. Thanks
At a reasonable price GT-AX6000 or RT-AX86U PRO (imminent release) followed by RT-AX86U
Above that there's all sorts of Wifi 6E and Wifi 7 gear but it costs heaps and since I have ethernet where I need it I don't need to pay that much
Thanks. That's what actually I had in mind.
Didn't know about RT-AX86U PRO. Will have a look.
Try not to get the RT-AX86U it's a bit too old now for the price and has 28nm CPU versus the GT-AX6000 and AX86U PRO's 16nm
The whole new firmware v9 also only seems to be on the GT-AX6000 and AX86U PRO which are essentially exactly the same chipset and happen to get exactly the same firmware at the moment probably as replacements to RT-AX86U going forward
RT-AX86U runs hot due to form factor and old chips
@s3n: With Pro which other model you recommend as a node? I will need atleast 3 gigabit ports on it so need something decent along with providing wifi coverage upstairs.
@ace310: RT-AX56U or RT-AX53U are sufficient for handing off to for AiMesh Wifi
I'd run a separate switch for the gigabit part of your network upstairs which I'd connect the AiMesh router you choose
@s3n: Do you know if there is any difference in AX86U PRO US version & AU version? Is there any difference in channels or anything I should be aware of ? I know that UK version has slightly lower transmission power.
AX86U PRO is currently available on US site. I have someone coming in next 2 weeks, who can bring it for me.
@ace310: Can’t guarantee but I’d hazard a guess there’s no difference since I was using a reflashed TMobile RT-AC68U as my secondary AiMesh for years, which is a hacked US version
I’d say grab it if it’s a lot cheaper than you can get a GT-AX6000 for or you don’t like the form factor of the GT (I got mine for $411)
@s3n: I prefer standing router as I am going to place it on a shelf. Also, GT-AX6000 is not available at that price currently. I can get Pro for around $480, but got to order in today or tomorrow max for my friend to bring it with him.
Would this be a step up from an ASUS RT-68U?
For sure, if not for anything but the newer Wifi 6 and this being a quad-core (vs. the RT-68U dual core). You could always use the RT-68U as a mesh node if you need to further your reach.
Yes definitely its what i upgraded from
Great upgrade from my TP link D7, thanks OP
Would this be an upgrade from a TP-Link AC1750?
You’d be replacing a router with a router… a sidegrade
Thanks OP, picked up AX56U for $139 and AX53U for $100-ish.
Now to understand how I set that up with HFC
Just need to plug the AX56U (blue WAN port) into the HFC box, go through setup which you'll provide any login information your ISP needs for your service, wifi name etc.
It tells you at the initial startup process how you want to set up your router, so on the AX53U, you'd select AiMesh node, but initially I did not have that option on my AX53U as the firmware it shipped with didn't have Ai Mesh implemented on it, so I just sped through the setup, manually downloaded the latest firmware for the AX53U, installed it, factory reset it and then the Ai Mesh node option was there.
Cheers mate, didn't expect a walk through, much appreciated!!!
No trouble at all.
Considering AX56U is $139 and AX53U is $143, would it be better to setup the same AX56U as the Mesh node as well?
There were 2 AX53U with damaged box available for $100 so that's what I went for for the mesh node. :-)
Oh wow! good deal. was that at Amazon or ebay? I want them too ..lol
ASUS RT-AC68U or this (ASUS RT-AX56U)? Which one is more advance with good range?
For sure ASUS RT-AX56U is better
AC68U is a quite old product now and only support up to AC
This support Wifi 6 (AX)
In terms of performance
I believe it would be AC86U > AX56U > AC68U
Mate, you are a legend!
My Linksys EA8500 is still going strong after 8 years.
Is it worth upgrading to this or maybe even buy as a spare once the linksys eventually dies?
No
I have Telstra Gen 2 using gen 2 booster with a NBN 50/20 plan. Is it any beneficial to upgrade to this AX Rt-56U?
No
Thanks, mate!
What about without booster, any benefit? Will this work with sooperloop nbn?
What does the booster do?
Damn it 2x2 on both stations.
Im hoping to get better MU-MIMO throughput.
Ah well.
Good deal regardless; but Gl.inet flint still is top of the chart for me.
Yes
I think 2x2 would be good enough in most cases given you hardly find 3x3 or more in current wifi6 clients anyway
It might take some bandwidths if you use wireless AiMesh on 2x2, but will take full advantages for wired AiMesh nodes
Anyone knows how it compares to tp-link archer d9 ac 1900?
Would this be an upgrade from my RT-N16 that's been solid for the last 15ish years? 😁😆😆
Perhaps not if you're on 50mbit NBN 😁😆😆
On a AC1600 that's 5 years old. Was going to try figure the mesh stuff to extend but now wonder if a upgraded new modem router would suffice.
FTTN
Would this be worth upgrading from an DSL-AC88U?
This is probably a dumb question but would I need to buy a modem for this to work too? Assuming I am signing up to a new home internet plan
This comes with the Internet in the box
Is this better than Dlink DSL-2888 for FTTN?
Mine is FTTN and 1.5 km to the node. Aussiebrodband 50mbp plan, but very unstable, sometimes will drop to only 15Mbp,router is Dlink DSL-2888A.
The aussiebroadband told me that The modem/router that is chosen must
support VDSL2 and have SRA or SOS/ROC compatibility. I have no idea what it is and considering if I need to change.
This is a wifi-router only. No VSDL2/FTTN Modem.
It won't help your unstable ISP connection, but is probably better than your dlink DSL built in wifi.
Thanks so much. Can I also know any recommendations for VSDL2/FTTN Modem?
The one that your ISP recommends
A better modem is unlikely to improve your speed.
im buying this router so i can take the load off my current modem as there are just too many devices on it (including connecting ethernet from my security system and PC straight through to the router itself). My current modem is the generic one that my ISP provided so its not great, but ive been told that if i connect a router (this Asus) to it and then put all my devices and IOT connections toward it then the modem will be more stable whilst the router takes the network hit instead. Would love more advice about optimising network loads but my modem is barely hanging in there and im sure the router will work well with the modem. The ISP speed is really good when its actually connected lol
I'll let other members correct me but I believe OP is not a modem, only router. It can replace your ISP only if you're on FTTP/HFC, otherwise you'll have to keep your ISP (or get a cheap Testra one) and use OP as bridge.
@ShouldIBuyIt: I think ULT meant having a separate router so that the existing router-modem can focus all its resources on being just a modem.
@ShouldIBuyIt: yeah thats the plan, i plan to bridge it over through the WAN port from the ISP modem/router —> ASUS router
If you have an rt ax55, is it worth the upgrade?
With the comparison here: https://www.mbreviews.com/asus-rt-ax55-vs-rt-ax56u/2/
AX56U has similar speed performance in 5Ghz network
and its significant better in 2.4Ghz network
So if you have more 2.4Ghz devices than it might worth the upgrades
Otherwise from hardware perspective AX56U are slightly better in memories (512MB vs 256MB) but same quad-core processor
Bloody legend, thanks!
Cheers OP. Time to replace the old Nighthawk R7000!
Is this a worthy upgrade for TP-link Archer C9 Ac1900? If so, why?
Only 2 antennas. Need more.
That'd be the RT-AX58U which is $120 more at current pricing
Does this support fttc/fttn? Planning to replace my isp modem.. Not sure if it worth it
Is this worth the upgrade from this?
https://www.tp-link.com/au/home-networking/dsl-modem-router/…
I'm on nbn 50/20 fttp, single storey house.
yes, a 300n router to a ax1800 router is a significant upgrade
not only will get better wifi range, but also has less slow down issue when you have more clients connected
Is this good for a double brick home with 4 rooms? One of the rooms can only manage 15Mbps when all the others are 50Mbps.
I was going to recommend the Deco M5 that I have to my friend but if this will work, then he can just replace the existing router.
better to get 2-3 Asus routers and form a mesh network using AiMesh
you may use AX56U as primary mesh router (given its has quad core processor + 512MB ram), and cheaper one like AX53U as mesh nodes
I cant find cheap AX53U ($140+). Is there a specific place to buy them?
Amazon had 2 "used, like new" for $100 a piece which seem to be damaged box. I bought 1 alongside with OP. Luck of the draw.
OK thanks.
Currently unavailable:(
Check again. Says in stock
Hmm, sometimes I get stuttering when streaming videos from my PC to my bedroom via my Netgear R7000. Maybe this will be better? I'll give it a shot.
Are you running the standard Netgear firmware on your R7000?
No, I'm using Asuswrt-Merlin though I haven't updated the firmware in ages.
Ah yep that's what I run on mine as well. Haven't had any issues with stuttering, but running latest firmware on it. Might be worth updating to latest, then doing a factory reset on it and see if that helps at all.
@messiah1095: Stuttering is definitely relatively rare. Sometimes happens when I stream larger 1080p videos via Solid Explorer. Bottleneck could be there or in mpv processing the video on my tablet. Either way, I've already impulse bought it so we'll see.
@quanticism: Fair enough. I'm also tempted to buy the Asus, but my R7000 is still working well and I've only got one Wifi 6 device at the moment, so wouldn't see much benefit. Will look at getting one down the track I think.
@quanticism: Is your computer or tablet old? I had stuttering using certain clients to play 1080p files but then VLC fixed that.
Do you need to manually update the Merlin firmware once initially installed?
I currently have the D-Link AC2300 DSL-3890 is it worth the upgrade. Would the ASUS RT-AX56U have less bandwidth at only 1800? Or am I getting muddled up in numbers ? Thanks
If I've got a Telstra Smart Modem Gen 2, what additional functionality would this router give me?
Nothing other than wifi 6 and Open VPN built in…
If you need wifi 6 then get it, if you need open vpn client grab a GL.inet router instead.
Question, if I temporarily use a 4g LTE dongle with OP router, what speed can I expect? (Say best case scenario, I understand it depends on quality of 4g signal)
Just picked one up, thanks OP.
I have a 4 bed double living house. Previous setup was Asus Zenwifi however they weren’t great and had constant firmware dramas and unfortunately got rid of my old 68-U.
Would this be a decent second product as I think I’ll need a mesh due to the size of the house. https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/asus-rt-ax54hp-dual-band-…
If not, am I better off just grabbing another 56-U?
Cheers
I am also wondering what all models can be used as Mesh node. If mesh node doesn't need feature rich router, can it be cheapest one?
Yes at this price it’s a good option for aimesh
Cheers, I compared the two and can note the differences. Just wasn’t sure if I was better spending an extra $15 and grabbing another 56U.
It’s a touch more stylish looking and the missus prob won’t get as angry needing to look at it lol.
missus prob won’t get as angry needing to look at it lol.
Can't believe they don't add that criteria in the comparison. You can't put a $ value on this :-D
Anyone know if this can be used to connect to fixed wireless?
I’m going to move to tangarine at a new place and byo a modem/router..
In terms of using the AX53U as a mesh node? There are a few videos on youtube about setup and what not, but personally I think the setup is pretty straight forward with how it walks you through the initial startup.
Here is link from asus site: https://www.asus.com/us/support/FAQ/1035087/
The web gui is essentially the same across the board, so most guides about how to setup an ASUS AX/AC-XXX would be the same.